Monday, May 29, 2017

Memorial Day 2017 & Gaming Bunker (Basement) Progress Update

This is Memorial Day weekend in the United States where we honor those who have fallen in battle. Most civilized nations have a day such as this that pays homage to their honored dead. You can read about the history of Memorial Day in the US here. While I feel joy that "such men lived," it's always with a heavy heart. There is an avalanche of data and statistics about the costs of war but the price that these men paid is not even able to be calculated, let alone fully appreciated. I was lucky enough to know and serve alongside some of them. Forget what you read about American politics. Soldiers are the credentials of the United States.

Well it's been awhile since I've posted a progress report on the gaming bunker (basement). I have to admit that I really didn't appreciate that space down in there in the basement but it definitely is something of a sanctuary for me.

The wife and I spent the majority of the weekend replacing the aged ceiling tiles down there and we are at about 90% but won't be able to finish the rest until the walls are complete.

New ceiling tiles. right side of picture you can make out the new wall panel.

The above picture might look identical to our previous ceiling but I can assure you it is not! These are brand new ceiling tiles and it's gratifying to know that the old, disgusting tiles are in the trash.

You can also note the black insulation panels with steel supports that our new walls will literally bolt onto.

The gaming area facing where my painting desk used to be. I may move the desk to the wall under the window.

Speaking of the walls, they completed the wall around our storage room.

The new walls look like this. We will be painting the old wood paneling that is still around the ductwork.

Picture is taken from where my painting desk used to be. Obviously all of the hobby stuff is under the plastic.

Lots of work remains in the basement. This week the electrician will install the outlet boxes for our receptacles, and the contractors will finish up the walls. Then we will arrange for the new floor to be installed. The floor we chose is a "luxury vinyl tile" which is a vinyl floor but laid down in planks that gives the appearance and texture of a wood floor.

This is what the floor will look like. Neat huh?

Looking out the window. I might have some shelves placed where the large wall panel is laying.

That's about it for the update. We're nearing the end of phase one of the project. Phase two will be the installation of the floor and finally phase 3 is the touch up work. I'm really excited to get the floor down because that will herald the beginning of gaming and hobbying in the room again!

Thanks Paul and i echo that sentiment!The wife and i were talking about new shelves for the minis. That is obviously a long way away though but it would be nice to display the troops in formation i think.

Congratulations on this progress, Steven. It will be gorgeous when it is done.A lot of my US friends seemed to have a rough time this Memorial Day, especially with wars that never seem to end. All the best to all of you.M

The basement is looking great! We finished ourslast winter and what a difference it makes. You’re right in that you don’t appreciate that space until you begin using it and realize how much space is actually down there. We used the same floor, too. It looks great and is very functional for basement conditions. I think you’ll be happy with your choice. Good luck with phases 2 and 3.